Eaves are not only unsightly, but a rotten fascia board can allow moisture and insects to damage your home’s framing. Cut a new soffit to the proper size using a rotted section as a template.
Replacing soffits, fascia, and rafter tails will correct many problems in eaves. However, some localized issues may be fixed with patching instead of Eaves Replacement Perth.
Your home’s eaves are important in maintaining moisture from your roof and walls. However, if they’re damaged or rotted, water and pests can enter your home. Three basic areas of a home’s eaves may require repair, influencing your final costs. These include the fascia or front section of the eave; the soffit, or underside covering of the eave, and the rafter tail, or interior portion.
The cost of repairing your eaves depends on the type of damage and materials needed. For example, if the soffit or fascia board is rotten, you’ll need to replace it with new boards. Wood is susceptible to rotting after long-term exposure to moisture, so it’s important to use durable materials for your home’s soffits and fascia boards.
Professional soffit installation is also a factor in your eaves replacement costs. This process can range from $1 to $5 per square foot, depending on the size of your home and required prep work. Some homeowners choose to install a drip edge in addition to a new soffit, as this will help prevent water from backing up on the eaves and under the shingles.
A soffit is the underside covering that extends from your roof’s eaves to the bottom of the wall, allowing it to drain rainwater. The soffit is typically made from wood, aluminium, or uPVC and helps to keep moisture from affecting your home’s structural integrity. It’s common for soffits to be replaced with the same material as your fascia board, which can save time and money.
A soffit can be repaired by simply reattaching or re-nailing loose fasteners, but this solution is limited and won’t address any structural problems. For more substantial repairs, it’s often necessary to remove the existing soffit and replace it with a new one. To minimize the amount of time and expense involved, you should use a section of the existing soffit as a template to cut your replacement material. This way, you can ensure the soffit is the same thickness and length as your original piece.
Inspection
It is important to inspect roof eaves for damage or potential problems. These can include leaking, visible cracks and splits in the fascia boards or soffit, rot or woodworm holes, pest infestation, and more. A professional can conduct a detailed inspection from above to identify these issues and recommend repairs or replacement of the eaves.
Some eaves may need to be replaced entirely, while others are simply in need of repair. The extent of the problem will determine the total cost. For example, the cost to replace a damaged soffit board might be cheaper than replacing the entire eave. A complete eaves replacement can increase energy efficiency by helping to keep cold air out in the winter and hot air out in the summer.
If you are looking for a reliable contractor to perform this work, be sure to compare several quotes. Look for a company that is licensed and insured in your area. Ask for references and an itemized list of costs, so that you can see the breakdown of the price. Choose a contractor that is known for quality work and customer service.
Getting the right materials is also crucial for an accurate eaves replacement cost. The specific eave material you choose will depend on the appearance, style, and durability you prefer, as well as your budget. It’s a good idea to take measurements of your existing eaves before you start your project, so that you can buy the exact size and quantity of materials needed for the job. This will minimize wastage and delays due to shortages of materials.
Another factor that influences eave repair prices is the material used in the soffit or rafter tails. If these areas go untreated, moisture will build up and lead to softening or rot, which can then spread to the rafters. This can result in costly structural repairs.
In Australia, homes built before the mid-1980s might contain non-friable asbestos sheeting in the eaves and soffit. This was a common construction material at the time, and it is important to handle these materials carefully to avoid releasing hazardous asbestos fibres into the air.
Removal
The eaves of a house protect the foundation from moisture, pests, and debris. Keeping them functioning properly is important to the home’s health and safety. It’s also essential to protect the roof structure. When eaves are damaged, it can lead to water leaks and other structural problems. These issues can affect the entire roof and cost you more money over time.
The two main components of the eaves are soffits and fascia boards. The soffit prevents water and debris from entering the house, while the fascia boards help drain rainwater away from the roof. Fascia is available in different materials, including wood, aluminium, and uPVC, but they all work to protect the roof’s structural integrity.
Soffit and fascia repair costs $9 to $34 per linear foot on average, based on material type and labor. The price will increase if the soffit is made of aluminum or wood, and decrease if it’s perforated or ventilated. Soffits and fascia can be repaired by replacing rotting sections with new pieces or by installing a whole new soffit and fascia.
If you choose to replace the soffit and fascia, make sure you select durable and high-quality building materials. They’ll be exposed to a lot of moisture and the elements, so you want them to last for a long time. If you’re doing the job yourself, make sure you use a ladder that’s sturdy and that you have someone nearby to support it while you’re working. Also, wear safety gear like gloves and a hard hat.
You can buy soffit and fascia pieces at most home improvement stores, but it’s a good idea to ask for a quote from several contractors before choosing one. Make sure they’re licensed, insured, and have a good reputation on sites like Google and HomeGuide. They should be able to provide you with itemized pricing and a detailed work description.
You can often save money by fixing rotting soffits and fascia instead of replacing them completely. The repair process usually involves cutting the rotten soffit board to the right size, then sawing it to fit the rafter tails. You can do this with a handsaw, but it’s easier and more accurate to use a table or circular saw. Using an intact section of the soffit as a template can help you cut the new piece correctly, so there’s less chance of moisture and debris finding their way into your house.
Installation
The eaves are comprised of the vertical fascia boards that cover the ends of the roof rafters or ceiling joists and horizontal soffit boards that cover the bottom of these same joists. These components are exposed to the elements and can be subject to rot and insect infestation if not properly maintained. When these are damaged, a full replacement is often the only solution that will provide long-term durability and weather protection.
To begin the process of repairing or replacing your eaves, you must first gather the necessary materials for the project. Go to your local home improvement center and purchase wood or cellular PVC or cement fiber board material that will match the thickness and width of the existing girdle boards. For the soffit, consider purchasing an aluminum or galvanized steel material to prevent future corrosion and improve strength and weather resistance.
Once you have your new materials, you’ll need to remove the gutters and roof flashing to gain access to the eaves. This is a good time to get a friend or family member to help you out by supporting the ladder while you work. If possible, set up a scaffolding system around your roof if you plan to do any major work on the eaves. This will be much safer and easier to work on than a ladder alone.
Start by removing the soffit from the gutter using a flat pry bar or scraper tool. Once the old soffit is removed, clean the eaves thoroughly with a power washer to remove all traces of algae, dirt, and debris. Then, install a new soffit that follows the Standards Australia’s HB 39:2015 guidelines to ensure proper drainage and prevent moisture from damaging your eaves and roof.
When installing the new soffit, be sure to leave sufficient space to allow for adequate airflow and prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold and rot. Before securing the new soffit, use a caulking gun to fill in any cracks, gaps, or dips in the soffit to further protect it from water and insects.
Finally, align the new soffit with the eave’s underside and secure it using nails. For a stronger grip, use nails four to six inches long to bury them into the wood.
